Are The Amish Patriotic?
The word patriot is defined as love and/or devotion’s to one’s country. It would stand to reason that the Amish can be considered patriot’s as their main love and devotion is to God and their religion, then to their family and community. However, as members of a greater community (i.e. country) the Amish are loyal and caring to those around them.
Contrary to widespread belief some Amish do vote in elections. In fact, in some close political races, candidates have courted the Amish vote as an important swing vote. Their votes tend to support more conservative candidates and they take into consideration the moral standing of the candidates when casting their votes.
During wartimes, if they are drafted, the men take conscientious objector status. This is fitting with their pacifist beliefs. A conscientious objector who refuses to have any role in the armed forces is allowed join an alternative civilian service program. When World War II occurred, many Amish men joined the Civilian Public Service (CPS). This service, while accepted by the United States government as an alternative to military service, was poorly financed by the government.
The men were placed in camps throughout the United States and performed work in forestry fields, soil conservation, fire fighting, flood control, land erosion management, and agriculture. They actually served for longer time periods than a typical military draftee and they had to be supported by their families and congregations.
The camps were scattered throughout the country and the men worked nine hour days, six days a week. A director was hired to run the camps and their salaries were paid by the church congregation. Some men were hired out to work at neighboring farms or in businesses. Their salaries went to the government. In some cases, the men served in understaffed mental health hospitals and helped to greatly improve the standard of care for patients.
So, even if the men did not serve as soldiers they filled vital roles vacated (or never even filled) by soldiers. They served their country for no pay, worked hard and made many improvements which benefited the entire country as a whole. Given their sacrifices I’d say the Amish are patriotic.
Summertime picnics abound on the summer weekends. Here are some great Amish picnic food recipes.
Amish Macaroni Salad
2 c. elbow macaroni
3 hard boiled eggs
1 small onion
3 stalks celery
1 red bell pepper
2 tbsp. pickle relish
2 c. mayonnaise
3 tbsp. yellow mustard
¾ c. white sugar
2 tsp. white vinegar
¼ tsp. salt
¾ tsp. celery seed
Cook macaroni according to package direction. While cooking, chop the eggs, onion, celery, and pepper. Drain macaroni and set aside.
Stir the chopped ingredients and relish together in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed. Pour over egg mixture, stir. Add macaroni and stir. Cover and chill for 2 hours before serving.
Amish Pizza Cookies
½ c. white sugar
1/3 c. brown sugar
4 tbsp. butter
1 egg
½ c. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ c. flour
1 c. chocolate chips
2 c. miniature marshmallows
Preheat oven to 375 ° F. Mix sugars and butter together. Add egg and mix well. Add peanut butter and vanilla and mix well. Add the flour and mix. Grease a pizza pan and press dough into the pan going all the way to the pan’s edges. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips and marshmallows on top. Place back into the oven for 6-7 minutes or until the chips and marshmallows melt. Remove and allow to cool completely before cutting into “pizza” slices.
